Adjustable face pillow apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes a bedside face pillow configured to provide adjustable face/head rest support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.provisional application No. 62/856,813, filed Jun. 4, 2019, entitledBEDSIDE FACE PILLOW, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporation byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a headrest apparatus. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a foldable headrest for amassage, configured to provide an adjustable face/head support that isindependent of the bed or examination table.

BACKGROUND

A massage is the scientific manipulation of soft tissues of the bodyincluding superficial and deeper layers of muscles, connective tissues,tendons, ligaments and joints to improve the flow of blood and lymph, toreduce muscular tension, enhance tissue healing, and promote relaxationand well-being. The use of massage has been applied to the treatment ofhuman conditions for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations haveembraced the application of massage to counter a number of diseases orfor relaxation. There is archaeological evidence found from variousancient societies across the world. The application of massage isprobably as old as any human civilization since muscles, and connectivetissues are always being tested to the limits by the humans.

Many ancient medical texts often refer to the technique of massage as aphysical therapy meant for treating various ailments, wounds/injuries,relaxation, and pleasure. The treatments are often combined with oilsand aromatic substances to enhance the overall experience of atherapeutic physical massage. Further, various developments have evolvedin the physical therapy that made massage techniques become popular andas multi-billion-dollar business. The equipment utilized in massagetherapy usually consists of a flat surface where a client, patient,recipient or person will comfortably lie face down so that the therapistcan gain full access to the back muscles.

One such flat surface is a bed or a massage table, which is used toposition the recipients during massaging. A typical massage table has apadded surface integrated with a head support. The head support allowsthe patient/client to breathe easily during lying face down. Further,these head supports are stationary, and the massage tables are expensiveand heavy. In this position, a physician or doctor is treating a patientfrom some ailment on the back of the body. Some massage tables areavailable without a specially designed pillow, where the client/patientmust turn their head on the massage table during massaging. Thispositioning of the body will result in discomfort for theclient/patient. The specialized face pillow is often not present sinceit is a part of a specialized equipment that is often too expensiveand/or not available.

Currently, when a standard examination table or bed is in use, thepatient/client's head is turned to one side or the other or is tiltedback uncomfortably during the examination or massage. If the head isturned to the side so the patient/client can breathe, the neck musclesare bunched on one side and stretched on the other, preventing theoptimum in muscle manipulation. If the patient/client is on their backand the head is extended over the edge of the bed, the neck muscles arestretched significantly, and in some cases, painfully.

Therefore, there is a need for a specially designed bedside face pillowfor professionals and for home therapy to prevent the discomfort ofplacing the head at odd angles when the patient is lying face down.Further, there is also a need for a foldable pillow stand configured toprovide a completely adjustable face/head support that is independent ofthe bed or examination table.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally discloses a headrest apparatus. Further,the present invention discloses a foldable headrest for massage,configured to provide adjustable face/head rest support that allows auser to rest their face/head with full comfort.

According to the present disclosure, the bedside face pillow is aninnovative health apparatus designed to provide a comfort andportability for physical exams or massages when lying face-down isrequired. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pillow, a supportplate, a support pole, a base assembly and a plurality of locking means.In one embodiment, the pillow is an open pillow. In another embodiment,the pillow is configured in a C-shape structure. In one embodiment, thepillow is configured over the support plate/a pillow platform. In someembodiments, the pillow is detachably connected to the support plate viaone or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the fastener includes, butnot limited to a Velcro® type fastener or hook and loop fasteners.

In one embodiment, the support plate is provided with an opening tomatch with the pillow structure, so that user's face is lying in theopen pillow and resting comfortably. In one embodiment, the supportplate is rotatably/foldably configured to the support pole via aconnecting means. In some embodiments, the support plate is made fromany of materials including, but not limited to iron, rubber or suitabledurable materials. In another embodiment, the connecting means includes,but not limited to, a pivot joint.

In one embodiment, the support pole includes an upper shaft and a lowershaft. The upper shaft is slidably connected to the lower shaft via alocking means. In one embodiment, the bottom of the upper shaft and topof the lower shaft are connected via a locking means. In anotherembodiment, the locking means includes, but not limiting to acylindrical brake shoe. In one embodiment, the top of upper shaft andthe bottom of the support plate are connected via the connecting means.In one embodiment, the connecting means includes, but not limited to apivot joint, folding hinge or rotating hinge. In some embodiments, thesupport plate is adjusted to any desired angle based on the userrequirement. In one embodiment, the support pole is a telescopicadjusting pole. In one embodiment, the upper shaft and lower shaft areconfigured with the pre-defined length and diameter. In anotherembodiment, the support pole is constructed with any of materialsincluding, but not limited to, strong metals, plastic, or suitabledurable materials.

In one embodiment, the apparatus prevents the client/patient fromdiscomfort when lying face down by providing the pillow with an openingfor the face. Therefore, the patient head need not to turn at any angle.In some embodiments, the upper shaft and lower shaft are designed withany one of a hollow cylindrical configuration or hollow rectangularconfigurations. In one embodiment, the upper shaft and lower shaft has apre-defined diameter and length. In another embodiment, the lower shaftis configured to slidably receive the upper shaft to adjust the heightof the support pole according to the height of the bed. The pillowconfigured with bed provides the maximum comfort to the person.

In one embodiment, the base assembly is configured to the lower shaftvia one or more wearing sleeves. In another embodiment, the baseassembly is connected to the bottom of the lower shaft. In oneembodiment, the base assembly includes, a wheel assembly configured atthe distal ends of tripod base. In one embodiment, the tripod includes,at least three upper supporting bars and at least three lower supportingbars. In one embodiment, the apparatus is positioned by locking thecasters to prevent any shifting during treatment or therapy. In anotherembodiment, the casters are unlocked to move the apparatus. In oneembodiment, the locking means are positioned in strategic positionsalong the product to allow maximum adjustability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the specificexamples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a bedside face pillow apparatusattached to the bed in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus in one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the apparatus in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a pillow of the apparatus in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a method of folding a support plate of the apparatus in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a base assembly of the apparatus inone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the apparatus with folded pillow in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A shows a rear view of the pillow with support plate in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the pillow with support plate inone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of a pivot joint connected to the supportplate in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B shows a front view of the support plate with one or morefasteners in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A shows the side view of a pivot joint connected to the supportplate in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B shows an enlarged view of head of the pivot joint in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10C shows a sectional view of the enlarged head of the pivot jointin one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of a cylindrical brake shoe in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the rear view of folded bedside face pillow apparatus inone embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of embodiments will now be given with reference to theFigures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a bedside face pillow 100 is an innovative andunique health product positioned with a bed 200 is illustrated,according to the present invention. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100is a portable pillow stand for massages or medical exams, where theclient/patient is in a face-down position. The apparatus 100 is equippedwith locking casters to allow easy positioning of the apparatus 100. Inone embodiment, apparatus 100 enables the user to keep their head in theproper position and preventing from turning sideways or bending backinto an uncomfortable position. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100has been designed to sit/position near any of the bed, examinationtable, or massage bed heights. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100provides comfort and portability for physical exams or massages whenlying face-down is required. The positioning of the apparatus 100enables comfortable cushion of the patient/client's head in the optimumposition during the massage or medical exam.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of the apparatus 100 isillustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a pillow 110, a support plate112, a support pole 130, a base assembly 150 and a plurality of lockingmeans (120, 140, 160 and 170). The pillow 110 is configured to positionover the support plate 112. In one embodiment, the pillow 110 is an openpillow. In another embodiment, the pillow 110 is configured in a C-shapestructure. In one embodiment, the support pole 130 includes, an uppershaft 132 and a lower shaft 134. The upper shaft 132 and the lower shaft134 are connected via a locking means 140. In one embodiment, the bottomof the upper shaft 132 and top of the lower shaft 134 are connected viaa locking means 140. In another embodiment, the locking means 140includes, but not limiting to a cylindrical brake shoe.

In one embodiment, the base assembly 150 includes, a wheel assembly 158configured at the distal ends of tripod base. In one embodiment, thetripod includes, at least three upper supporting bars/legs 154 and atleast three lower supporting bars/legs 156. In one embodiment, the uppershaft 132 is configured to the support plate 112. In another embodiment,the lower shaft 134 is configured to the base assembly 150 via wearingsleeves 152.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a bottom perspective view of the apparatus 100 isillustrated. The pillow 110 is positioned over the support plate 112. Inone embodiment, the support plate 112 is configured to the support pole130 via one or more fasteners 120. In one embodiment, the bottom of thesupport plate 112 is connected to the top of the upper shaft 132 via oneor more fasteners 120. In another embodiment, the bottom of the uppershaft 132 is configured to the top of the lower shaft 134 via the brakeshoe 140. In one embodiment, the upper shaft 132 is slidably connectedto the lower shaft 134 via the cylindrical brake shoe 140. In oneembodiment, the locking means (120, 140, 160 and 170) are positioned instrategic positions along the apparatus 100 to allow maximumadjustability. In one embodiment, the base assembly 150 is provided withone or more upper supporting bars/legs 154 and one or more lowersupporting bars/legs 156. In one embodiment, the upper supporting bar154 is locked and released by activating the locking means 160. Inanother embodiment, the lower supporting bar 156 is locked and releasedby activating the locking means 170.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an enlarged view of the pillow 110 of theapparatus 100 is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The pillow 110 is positioned over the top of the supportplate 112. In one embodiment, the pillow 110 is mounted on the supportplate 112 via one or more fasteners 114. In some embodiments, thefastener 114 includes, but not limited to a Velcro® type fastener orhook and loop fasteners. In another embodiment, the pillow 110 isdetachable positioned over the support plate 112 as shown in FIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , a method of folding a support plate 112 isillustrated. In one embodiment, the support plate 112 is designed in theshape of pillow 110 to provide more comfort to the user lying withface-down. In one embodiment, the distal ends of the support plate 112is extended than the size of the pillow 110, thereby positioning thepillow 110 to the bed. In one embodiment, the support plate 112 isconfigured to the upper shaft 132 via one or more connectors/connectingmeans 120. In some embodiments, the connecting means 120 includes, butnot limited to a pivot joint, folding hinge or rotating hinge.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the base assembly 150 of theapparatus 100 is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The base assembly 150 includes, a wheel assembly 158configured at the distal ends of the legs of tripod base. In oneembodiment, one end of the upper supporting bars 154 is configured tothe long wearing sleeves 152 via a locking caster 160. In oneembodiment, one end of the lower supporting bars 156 is configured tothe distal end of the lower shaft 134 via a locking caster 170 In oneembodiment, the distal end of the upper supporting bars 154 areconnected to the distal end of the lower supporting bar 156. In oneembodiment, the wheel 158 is configured at the connecting points ofupper supporting bars 154 and lower supporting bars 156, therebyproviding at least three legs in the base assembly 150. In anotherembodiment, the legs are collapsible legs. In one embodiment, the tripodbase includes, at least three upper supporting bars 154 and at leastthree lower supporting bars 156. In one embodiment, the upper supportingbar 154 is locked and released by activating the locking means 160. Inanother embodiment, the lower supporting bar 156 is locked and releasedby activating the locking means 170. In one embodiment, the bottom ofbase assembly 150 is configured to the bottom of the lower shaft 134 viawearing sleeves 152. In one embodiment, the upper shaft 132, lower shaft134 and upper supporting bars 154 are protected with plastic, longwearing sleeves to prevent surface wear and scratches.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a front view of the apparatus 100 with foldedpillow 110 is illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention.The apparatus 100 is supported with the base assembly 150 withcollapsible legs. In one embodiment, the pillow 110 is rotated andfolded down against the upper shaft 132 for storage and transportation.The pillow 110 is mounted on the support plate 112 via fasteners 114 andis tapered to comfortably accept the face, with the client's nose at thefloor, for the best positioning possible. In one embodiment, the supportplate 112 is a metal support plate. In some embodiments, the supportplate 112 is made from any of materials including, but not limited toiron, rubber or suitable durable materials. In one embodiment, theheight adjustment of support pole 130 employs the cylindrical brake shoeto clamp down the upper shaft 132. In one embodiment, the upper shaft132 is an inner shaft, which slides inside the lower shaft 134. Inanother embodiment, the lower shaft 134 is an outer shaft.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a rear view of the pillow 110 with support plate112 in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, a lowdensity closed cell foam is covered with a cover. In one embodiment, thecover is a soft vinyl plastic cover. The cover is configured to providea comfort to touch and easy to clean. In one embodiment, the pillow 110is of C-shaped structure. The cross-sectional view of the pillow 110with support plate 112 is illustrated, as shown in FIG. 8B.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a side view of the pivot joint 120 connected tothe support plate 112 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the steelsupport plate 112 is reinforced with the broader plate and is welded inplace for the optimum strength. In another embodiment, the offset plateis welded to the steel support plate and employs a serrated washercombined with compression to hold the set angle. The front view of thesupport plate 112 configured with one or more fasteners 114, withoutpillow 110 is illustrated in FIG. 9B, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 9B depicts the rear position of pivot joint 120to the support plate 112. In one embodiment, the foam pillow 110 is heldonto the support plate 112 using mating H&L fasteners, allowing thepillow 110 to be removed for cleaning. In another embodiment, thesupport plate 112 is reinforced with gussets and the thickness isreduced to lower the weight of the facial interface.

Referring to FIG. 10A, a side view of the pivot joint connected to thesupport plate without pillow, is illustrated. FIGS. 10B and 10Cexemplarily illustrates the enlarged view of the pivot joint head andsectional view of the enlarged pivot joint head, respectively. In oneembodiment, the pivot joint 120 is a serrated angle lock. In oneembodiment, the serrated washer is cast from steel and mates with theother washers welded to mating surfaces. This insures the face pillow110 to be adjusted to the desired fine angular positions and retainthose setting throughout the appointment. In another embodiment, thewashers are welded to both sides of the support brace and thecompression bolt slips through to the nut welded on the upper supportshaft interface. The plastic knob then tightens down against the supportbrace and compress the washer surface together to set and retain theangle. In another embodiment, the steel components that make up thepivot assembly are, including the interface, powder painted and thenthermally cured to provide a corrosion and scratch resistant surface.

Referring to FIG. 11 , an enlarged view of a cylindrical brake shoe 140is illustrated in one embodiment of the present invention. By rotatingthe brake head 142 in alternate directions, the brake pad 144 penetratesinto and leave the sliding path of the shafts (132 and 134). In oneembodiment, the head 142 is rotated in one direction and the brake pad144 protrude into the sliding path to fasten/tighten the shafts (132 and134) and terminates the height adjustment process. In anotherembodiment, the head 142 rotated in another direction and the brake pad144 leaves the sliding path to make required height adjustment. Inanother embodiment, the brake pad 144 is released to minimize or extendthe height of the apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the rear view of the folded bedside face pillowapparatus 100 is illustrated, in one embodiment of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, the locking means (120, 140, 160 and 170)are released to fold the apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the pivotjoint 120 is released to fold down the support plate 112 parallel to theupper shaft 132. In another embodiment, the brake shoe 140 is releasedto slide the upper shaft 132 into the lower shaft 134 to minimize theheight of the support pole 130. In one embodiment, the support pole 130is a telescopic type adjustable support pole. In another embodiment, allthe shaft connections are protected with plastic, long wearing sleeves152 to prevent surface wear and scratches. These sleeves 152 with collaralso contain the partial cylinder brake shoe 140 that is compressedagainst the internal tube to set the height. In some embodiments, thesupport pole 130 is constructed with any of materials including, but notlimited to, strong metals, plastic, or suitable durable materials.

In one embodiment, the locking caster 170 is released to fold the lowersupporting bars 156. In another embodiment, the locking caster 160 isreleased to fold the upper supporting bars 154. In some embodiment, themetal components are made from steel, which is chrome plated to providea stylish surface that is highly corrosion and scratch resistant. In oneembodiment, the collapsible legs slide up or down the lower shaft 134 tocollapse or extend the legs, which in turn support the face pillow 110at the optimum height.

The fabrication of the bedside face pillow includes, but not limited tothe following materials and processes: The height adjustable shafts (132and 134): These two shafts (132 and 134) are fabricated fromdrawn-over-mandrel (DOM) low carbon steel tubing. The lower shaft 134 ismade from 1.00″ tubing with 0.088″ wall thickness and the upper shaft132 will be made from 0.75″ tubing with 0.088″ wall thickness. Thetubing will be cut to length using a CNC lathe, which also radiuses anddeburrs the end surfaces. After cutting to length, the tubes will becleaned and chrome plated to provide a polished surface that resistsscratches, rust, and corrosion.

The legs (combination of upper supporting bars 154 and lower supportingbars 156): The legs are cut to length from cold rolled steel, 0.125″wall, U channel. The custom formed U channels are cut to length in awater jet machining center. All the required features are developed inthe machining center. After fabrication, the U channel legs are cleanedand chrome plated before assembly. In final assembly, the legs aresecured to the other components using stainless steel roll pins andrivets. The angle brackets: These angle rods and brackets are cut toshape using a CNC water jet machining center. The machining centerdevelops all the features required for these rods and brackets from0.125″ thick cold rolled steel sheet. After fabrication, the anglebrackets are cleaned and chrome plated before assembly. In assembly,they will be secured to the other components using stainless steel rollpins and rivets.

The support plate (pillow platform 112): This support, reinforcing, andconnecting plates are cut to shape using a CNC water jet machiningcenter. The machining center develops all the features required forthese components from 0.125″ thick cold rolled steel sheet. Aftercutting, the pieces are inserted in the welding jig and the robotic TIGwelder welds on the serrated washers. After the washers are attached,the components to be welded are placed in the jig and the robotic TIGwelder bonds them to the reinforcing and support plate. Afterfabrication, the part is cleaned, dried, powder coated, and thermallycured to provide a very durable surface for the support plate assembly.After painting, the 4 3.0″ long strips of hook fasteners are glued tothe upper surface.

The fittings: These fittings are cast using permanent molds using 360alloy aluminum. The permanent molds produce precision fittings with veryhigh strength and light weight. All the features are molded into thefitting, with only the hole needing to be tapped. This tapping operationto develop the ⅜-16 thread to mate with the knob is performed on arobotic tapping station. After the aluminum fittings are molded, tappedand deburred, they are cleaned and hard anodized to reduce wear. Afterfabrication, the plastic insert is slipped into the fitting and it readyto be installed in the product. The knob screws (a brake shoe 140): Theknob screws are commercially available and have a 2.375″ diameter knobthat is molded around the ⅜-16 bolt. This stud is 0.75″ long and feedsthrough the nut on the height adjustment slide and compresses the shoeagainst the shaft to retain the height. It also feed through the anglesetting washers and into the nut welded on the side of the pivotfitting. Compression applied by the knob seats the angle washers andretains the set angle until the knob is turned to release the pressure.

The feet and casters (150, 160 and 170): The plastic feet and thelocking casters are commercially available and snap together to createthe ends for the legs of the tripod. The locking casters employ 2.125″diameter nylon plastic wheels that are non-marking. The 0.438″ diameterstems have an interference fit to the holes in the feet and onceinstalled, are very difficult to remove. The face piece (pillow 110):The face pillow section is fabricated from 0.25″ thick marine plywoodwhich has been cut to shape on a computer-controlled water jet machiningcenter. The closed cell EVA foam can be selected in one of manydifferent durometers to make the most comfortable and long wearingpillow. The EVA foam is shaped using reciprocating knives and machinesanding. After the foam is shaped, the vinyl cover is cut to shape, thefoam and vinyl glued, and then pressed together. Then the assembly isstapled to the plywood backing. Then the decorative back cover isstitched, glued, and stapled into place. After final assembly, themating loop fasteners are adhesively bonded and stapled to the back ofthe pillow.

The apparatus 100 according to the present invention, could be used byprofessionals in clinic, spa, doctor's office or use at home. Theapparatus 100 is collapsible and easily transported or stored and can beset up or folded down in seconds. The apparatus 100 is ready to make anymassage or physical exam the maximum in comfort and portability for theuser. Thus, makes the apparatus 100 more user-friendly. The apparatus100 is fold up into a compact size when not in use and can beconveniently transported or stored in this configuration. The apparatus100 provides the user with ultimate comfort for any application oftherapy or treatment when in a face-down position. Further, theapparatus 100 could be used in doctor's offices, clinics, spas, or home.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Itshould be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary onlyand should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art thatthe within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps ofa method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the artto which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings inthe foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employedherein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not forpurposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is notlimited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable face pillow apparatus comprising: aC-shaped support plate having a bottom surface and a top surface,wherein the top surface includes at least one fastening mechanism toenable a C-shaped pillow to be removably fastened to the top surface,and wherein distal ends of the support plate are flat and extend pastthe pillow to directly contact an external vertical surface that islower than and directly connected to an external horizontal surface inorder to aid in positioning the pillow relative to the externalhorizontal surface; a support plate pivot having: a support brace formedby two bracket arms coupled to the support plate, wherein at least oneof the bracket arms has a hole extending therethrough; and a bolt sizedto pass through the hole in the bracket arm to secure the support braceto an upper shaft section when the bolt is tightened; a cylindricaladjustable shaft having: the upper shaft section rotatably coupled tothe bottom surface of the support plate via the support plate pivot,wherein the support plate pivot enables rotation of the support platerelative to the upper shaft section; a lower shaft section configured toslidably engage the upper shaft section, wherein the lower shaft sectionis slidable relative to the upper shaft section to alter a verticalposition of the support plate relative to a base assembly; and a shaftlocking mechanism configured to lock a position of the upper shaftsection relative to the lower shaft section; upper and lower wearingsleeves configured to slidably receive the lower shaft section, whereinthe lower shaft section is able to slide within the upper and lowerwearing sleeves; and the base assembly having: a plurality of uppersupporting bars coupled to the lower shaft section via the upper wearingsleeve; a plurality of lower supporting bars coupled to the lower shaftsection via the lower wearing sleeve; and a base assembly lockingmechanism configured to lock a position of at least one of the upper andlower wearing sleeves relative to the lower shaft portion, wherein thesupport plate can be rotated around a longitudinal axis of the shaftwithout moving the base assembly, and wherein an angle of the supportplate relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft can be selected andlocked into place with the support plate pivot.
 2. The adjustable facepillow apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external horizontal surface is asurface of at least one of a bed, an examination table, and a massagetable.
 3. The adjustable face pillow apparatus of claim 1 wherein thepillow is tapered to accept a person's face.
 4. The adjustable facepillow apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support plate is made of rubber.5. The adjustable face pillow apparatus of claim 4 wherein the supportplate pivot further includes an offset plate coupled to the supportplate, wherein the support brace is coupled to the offset plate.
 6. Theadjustable face pillow apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base assemblyfurther includes a plurality of wheels, wherein each of the wheels iscoupled to a distal end of one of the upper supporting bars.
 7. Anadjustable face pillow apparatus comprising: a support plate having abottom surface and a top surface, wherein the top surface includes atleast one fastening mechanism to enable a pillow to be removablyfastened to the top surface, and wherein a distal end of the supportplate is flat and extends past the pillow to directly contact anexternal vertical surface that is lower than and directly connected toan external horizontal surface in order to aid in positioning the pillowrelative to the external horizontal surface; a support plate pivotcoupled to the bottom surface of the support plate; a cylindricaladjustable shaft having: an upper shaft section rotatably coupled to thesupport plate pivot, wherein the support plate pivot enables rotation ofthe support plate relative to the upper shaft section; a lower shaftsection configured to slidably engage the upper shaft section, whereinthe lower shaft section is slidable relative to the upper shaft sectionto alter a vertical position of the support plate relative to a baseassembly; and a shaft locking mechanism configured to lock a position ofthe upper shaft section relative to the lower shaft section; upper andlower wearing sleeves configured to slidably receive the lower shaftsection, wherein the lower shaft section is able to slide within theupper and lower wearing sleeves; and the base assembly having: aplurality of upper supporting bars coupled to the lower shaft sectionvia the upper wearing sleeve; a plurality of lower supporting barscoupled to the lower shaft section via the lower wearing sleeve; and abase assembly locking mechanism configured to lock a position of atleast one of the upper and lower wearing sleeves relative to the lowershaft portion, wherein the support plate can be rotated around alongitudinal axis of the shaft without moving the base assembly, andwherein an angle of the support plate relative to the longitudinal axisof the shaft can be selected and locked into place with the supportplate pivot.
 8. The adjustable face pillow apparatus of claim 7 whereinthe external horizontal surface is a surface of at least one of a bed,an examination table, and a massage table.
 9. The adjustable face pillowapparatus of claim 7 wherein the pillow is tapered to accept a person'sface.
 10. The adjustable face pillow apparatus of claim 7 wherein thesupport plate is made of rubber.
 11. The adjustable face pillowapparatus of claim 10 wherein the support plate pivot includes an offsetplate coupled to the support plate.
 12. The adjustable face pillowapparatus of claim 7 wherein the base assembly further includes aplurality of wheels, wherein each of the wheels is coupled to a distalend of one of the upper supporting bars.
 13. The adjustable face pillowapparatus of claim 7 wherein the support plate pivot is one of a pivotjoint, a folding hinge, a rotating hinge, and a serrated angle lock.